US sportswear brand Champion has signed a new apparel partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and THINK450, a for-profit enterprise owned by the NBA’s 450 active players.
Under the multi-year deal, Champion will become the Official Sport Style Partner of the NBPA and THINK450, and will supply a range of apparel for NBPA camps and clinics.
Champion’s NBPA-branded items will include shirts, hoodies, pants and other apparel, and will also go on general sale at selected retail stores.
The brand will also collaborate with the union as an events marketing partner, including at ‘One Court’ – an exclusive player and partners networking event – and the NBPA Players’ Voice Awards.
On the brand side, the deal was signed by Hanesbrands Inc., Champion’s New York Stock Exchange-listed parent company.
The NBPA is the official union for current professional basketball players in the NBA. Established in 1954, the NBPA ensures that NBA players’ rights are protected and that players are supported in seeking commercial opportunities both on and off the court.
The NBPA advocates on behalf of all NBA players through collective bargaining, the filing of grievances, and counselling on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities.
THINK450 represents every current NBA player and works with leading companies and brands across all industries to help its members capitalise on commercial opportunities in content, marketing, technology, licensing and other areas.